What role does a bus play in a computer architecture?

A bus in computer architecture is primarily a communication system that transfers data between components. It serves as a pathway that connects different parts of the computer, allowing them to exchange information efficiently. This includes connections between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other peripherals.

When data is sent from one component to another, it travels along the bus, which can handle multiple data lines simultaneously. This capability allows for high data transfer speeds and ensures that the system can perform processes quickly and efficiently. The bus can carry address, data, and control signals, facilitating coordination among the various parts of the computer system.

While the connection between the CPU and memory is crucial, it is only one aspect of the bus's function. The primary responsibility of the bus encompasses the broader role of enabling communication across all components in the architecture.

Temporary data storage, as mentioned in one of the other options, is typically managed by specific types of memory such as RAM or cache, rather than by the bus itself. Power distribution is also handled separately by the power supply unit and circuitry designed for that purpose, rather than by the bus. Therefore, the defining characteristic of the bus is its function as a means for data transfer among the various components within the computer system.